What is your congregation doing right now that engages the needs of people in your own neighborhood?
No matter where you live, there are people around you that are struggling with powerlessness.
Evaluate your congregation’s response to these needs. Are you doing more charity than justice? It might be time to take it up a notch. The charity work is critical but the only way that work will be reduced (and more importantly, the human need) is through acts of justice.
So what can you do?
Start by listening to the real needs. Use community organizing practices to engage others in listening. Identify an issue that you have passion about as a congregation. Take one step at a time — justice work is steady, persistent advocacy on behalf of others. It feels very different than charity work. Maybe
a little more frustrating because the closer you
look, the more challenging any single issue may seem.
Don’t give up! Invite others to join you.
What issues are we working on as a synod, or in congregations?
Disaster Preparation, Response and Recovery
Immigration Reform
Environmental Justice
Homelessness
Angel Food Ministry
Human Trafficking